REBUILDING TRUST IN A DISTRUSTFUL AGE

Rebuilding Trust in a Distrustful Age

How the Church Can Be a Light in Canada’s Growing Shadow

By Ron Unruh

 

Canadian churches can play a pivotal role in rebuilding trust within society, offering a compelling alternative to the prevailing narratives of disillusionment and division. The newly released 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a sobering truth: Canadians are increasingly skeptical of nearly every major institution. Yet for the Church, this is not a cause for fear. It is a clear invitation to respond with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

 

The Erosion of Trust in Canada

According to the Edelman report, trust in government, media, and corporate leaders has plummeted.

67% of Canadians believe government leaders purposely mislead them.

66% feel the same about business executives.

62% don’t trust journalists to tell the truth.

Even traditional media, once seen as a stabilizing voice, is trusted by only 58% of Canadians. Social media ranks even lower, at 28%.

 

Among young adults, nearly 70% believe hostile activism is a legitimate way to drive change. For many in this rising generation, hope in institutional change has collapsed. They are angry, disillusioned, and deeply distrustful of the systems meant to serve them.

 

An Opportunity for the Church

In such a climate, the Church is uniquely positioned to offer something different, something better. Unlike other institutions, the Church need not, and it must not be built on or focus on human power structures but rather on the person of Jesus Christ, the One who is faithful and true. This is not the time for churches to retreat or remain silent. This is the time to live what we proclaim: that Jesus is Lord and that His Kingdom stands in contrast to the kingdoms of this world.

To do so, we must:

Practice transparency in leadership and decision-making.

Foster authentic community, where people are known, valued, and loved.

Equip the next generation with wisdom grounded in Scripture, not just reactionary trends.

Stand for justice, showing that the Gospel addresses both personal transformation and systemic brokenness.

When nearly three-quarters of Canadians believe the wealthy take more than their fair share, and 62% feel both business and government serve only the privileged, the Church must clearly demonstrate that we serve a Savior who came not to be served, but to serve.

 

A Trustworthy Witness in Uncertain Times

Canadians are afraid of discrimination, of economic instability, of being deceived. In such a culture of fear, the Church must become a people of peace. Not peace defined by comfort or silence, but peace grounded in the shalom of God, a peace that restores dignity and brings wholeness.

This is our moment to be a trustworthy witness. That means leading with humility, listening with love, and living out the truth of the gospel in visible, credible ways.

The credibility gap in Canada is real. But instead of seeing it as a threat, we can see it as an opening for the gospel. When other voices lose their influence, the voice of the Church, rooted in Christ, has a chance to be heard more clearly.

Let us not waste this opportunity.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

 

A Call to Action

If Canadian churches, pastors, boards, and seminaries become truly aware of what this report reveals, we can respond wisely and biblically. The moment calls not for reactionary fear, but for redemptive presence.

This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action. Let the Church in Canada rise, not to restore trust in institutions, but to invite people into trust in Christ, who alone is worthy.